Reform for Freedom in PB Shelley’s Literary Works

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of reform in terms of religious, political and social aspects in PB Shelley’s literary works. Selections from Shelley’s poetry, prose, essay and drama are reconsidered to show the concept of reform in his works. This paper seeks to unravel Shelley’s skeptic revolutionary thoughts that were always misunderstood by the critics of his time. Shelley as a poet perpetuated his life as a reformer, yet his concept of reform was neglected and often downplayed because of his idealistic view of the world. However, the significance of Shelley's concept of reform merits, more reverence, or, at least, more critical consideration than any of the Great Romantics.